New zealand

 
 
 

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New Zealand is an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations; it is 
divided into 10 provinces. 
New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy. The head of the state is the British 
monarch represented by a Governor General; the head of the government is the Prime 
Minister. The legislative body is a one-chamber parliament which is called the House 
of Representatives, consisting of 120 members elected for 3 years; four of the MPs 
are directly elected by the Maori people.
The main political parties are the New Zealand National Party and the Labour Party. 
3. The Geography, the Location, the Environment 
 
New Zealand consists of a group of hilly evergreen islands that lie in the southwest 
Pacific Ocean. The country is located on two main islands (North Island and South 
Island) and a number of smaller islands (61). New Zealand is quite long and, due to 
this, its coastline is long too and very indented, providing many natural harbours. The 
land is mainly hilly and mountainous; there are fertile plains, three active volcanoes 
and a district known for its geysers and hot springs. The climate is temperate, with 
moderate rainfall. The country has unique plants and very few native animals. The 
most interesting bird is the kiwi, a non-flying bird, the national symbol of the 
country. 
The Longest River: the Waikato – 425 km.
The Biggest Lake: Lake Taupo, depth – 163 m., area – 606 sq.km. 
The Mountains: the Southern Alps. The highest peak is Mount
Cook/Aoraki – 3,764 m. 
The Natural Resources: iron ore, gas, oil, gold, coal, wood, high-silica sand
(кварцевый песок). 
The Natural Dangers: frequent, but usually weak earthquakes, active
volcanoes, no snakes or poisonous insects.